High potential and gifted education

Extension Science - Poppy’s Proposition: From Self-Advocacy to Engineering a Pathway

For Poppy, Science and Mathematics were not always obvious strengths. In fact, she recalls, “In primary school, I was terrible at math.” It was in Years 9 and 10 at Marrickville High that a spark was lit in two distinct subjects, transforming her from a hesitant student into a determined self-advocate.

This shift was powered by the influential support of two key teachers. In Science, “I had Mr. Watson and he's like a phenomenal teacher... I started paying attention more. I was like, oh, this is actually really interesting.” His passion ignited her deep curiosity for the subject. Simultaneously, in Mathematics, Mr. Penman played a pivotal role in changing her mindset and forging a direct link between classroom concepts and real-world engineering. “Mr. Penman trained as an engineer and he is a strong advocate for that,” Poppy explained. His teaching went beyond the syllabus, showing her how the problem-solving skills in maths were the foundational tools of engineering. This connection was a revelation, giving her academic work a clear purpose and direction.

This growing passion was further nurtured by key opportunities like the 7-10 Girls in Science days. For Poppy, these events were more than just a day out of class; they were foundational in building her confidence and her community. “I really liked our Girls in Science Day. I always participated in them,” she said. These events created a vital space where she could connect with like-minded peers, forming a supportive network that made pursuing STEM feel less solitary and more collaborative.

Empowered by this support system and a new vision for her future, Poppy’s passion soon outpaced the standard curriculum. Driven by a family of STEM experts and inspired by her older siblings, she and her dad came to the school with a proposition: could Science Extension course run for her cohort.

She became a relentless advocate for her own education. “No one ever told me no,” she recalled. “It was never just no... I just kept asking and asking and asking.” The school listened. An expression of interest was sent out, and when enough students responded, a new pathway was born.

Now in Science Extension, she’s not just a student but a researcher, designing her own investigation. The community built through those early Girls in Science days has blossomed, providing a lasting network. Poppy’s future is now clearly focused: “I want to do something in engineering... I might consider biomedical engineering.”

Poppy’s story is a powerful testament to the impact of dedicated teachers and a responsive school community. By connecting her passion to a purpose, she didn’t just find a pathway; she helped build it, proving that with the right support, every student can engineer their own success.

Mathematics Stretch Club

Tayah has always had a quiet passion for mathematics, but it was an invitation to the Mathematics Stretch Club that transformed that interest into a true passion. Recognised by her teachers for her sharp analytical mind and resilience with complex problems, Tayah found a community where her talent could grow.

The club’s appeal was immediate: it offered the academic challenge she sought beyond the standard curriculum. “We learn harder things that I don’t get the opportunity to in class,” Tayah explained. This environment empowered her to take ownership of her learning, diligently working on extension materials and confidently stepping up to represent the school in the Australian Mathematics Competition.

A pivotal moment in her journey came from a guest speaker who visited the club. An economist shared how mathematical principles are applied to solve real-world problems—a talk that resonated deeply with Tayah’s analytical nature. “The economics [talk] was kind of interesting,” she recalled. “It was fascinating to learn how different things work and how maths is used to find a balance in the real world.” This exposure was more than just a lesson; it was a window into a potential future, directly connecting the abstract problems she loved to solve with impactful careers.

This experience has fundamentally shaped her perspective. Where once maths was simply a subject she enjoyed, it is now a field she actively sees herself working in. “I would definitely want to do something with maths. I really like maths,” Tayah stated, her future vision informed by those real-world applications.

Tayah’s journey from a quiet, dedicated student to a quietly confident competitor underscores a powerful truth: by recognising her potential and providing the right mix of challenge and inspiration, Marrickville High School helped her transform a quiet strength into a pathway for the future.

Elke: A Rising Star in HPGE with Endurance and Determination

Elke, a Year 8 student, has shown remarkable engagement and achievement within the Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) and school sports programs, demonstrating both versatility and tenacity in her athletic pursuits.

Initially a sprinter, Elke has embraced new challenges by expanding her focus to long-distance running and cross country, showcasing her adaptability and willingness to try new things. Her high level of aerobic and muscular endurance enables her to perform consistently across demanding events. A standout example of her perseverance is evident in her participation in the All Schools’ Triathlon in Term 1, where not only did she compete, but she also excelled by finishing 6th at the CHS level in her very first triathlon—a remarkable achievement for a novice. Encouraged by this success, she is already registering for next year’s triathlon competition, underlining her dedication and drive to push her limits.

Elke’s interest clearly lies in endurance sports such as long-distance running and triathlons. Over the past two years (2024/2025), she has actively represented her school in various athletics events, including school, zone, regional, and state levels for cross country and athletics. Her swimming capabilities are also highlighted through participation in school and zone swimming carnivals, while team sports are not neglected, with involvement in the Oz-tag gala day in 2024 and girls' soccer gala in 2025 further broadening her sporting experience.

Support for Elke’s participation has been primarily at the classroom level. In PDHPE, her teacher, Miss Zannettides, played a pivotal role by encouraging her to register for the triathlon, opening doors to opportunities that Elke might otherwise have missed.

Elke exemplifies the spirit of High Performance and Gifted Education (HPGE) through her determination, ability to embrace new challenges, and impressive endurance across a range of demanding physical activities. Her continued growth and commitment signal an exciting future in school sport and beyond.

Juno: Emerging Cycling Talent with High Potential and Determination

Juno , a promising young athlete, has demonstrated exceptional engagement and achievement in the Physical/Psychomotor domain, particularly excelling in cycling. With a blend of athletic skill, coordination, and tactical awareness, Juno’s journey highlights her motivation, resilience, and ambitions in competitive cycling.

Juno’s strengths are many: she displays a high motivation to improve with every attempt, consistently striving to outperform her previous performances. Her quick reaction time and ability to think on the spot allow her to adapt effectively during races. Additionally, her strong awareness and analysis of her surroundings give her a tactical edge. Beyond performance, Juno enjoys the social aspects of sport, engaging positively with opponents after races. Physically, she possesses impressive muscular and aerobic endurance, demonstrated by her capacity to compete in road races of up to 90km.

Her active participation in HPGE and extracurricular programs has been significant and ongoing. Juno has represented New South Wales at the national level in junior cycling for both road and track events during 2024 and 2025. She is an active member of the Dulwich Hill Cycling Club and was selected to represent Australia in Japan at the Coupe du Japan Fukasaka International XCO race, underscoring her standing as an elite young cyclist. Looking ahead, Juno aspires to perform in Europe, seeking recognition from prominent cycling teams to advance her career.

Support at multiple levels has been integral to Juno’s development. At school, she benefits from an exemption from participating in school sports on Tuesdays to accommodate specialised training at the Oaks Fire Trail in the Blue Mountains, where she trains under the guidance of her father. The school also permits her to compete during the week, with flexible arrangements for completing classwork outside of school hours. As she approaches Year 10, discussions are underway about modifying assessment deadlines to support her training and competition schedule.

Externally, Juno receives weekly sessions with a personal trainer in Marrickville focusing on strength and endurance. Her Dulwich Hill Cycling Club and coach play pivotal roles in her ongoing development, with the coach providing tailored training programs through a mobile app. Strong family support further boosts her journey, as her parents actively assist her sporting goals.

Juno has faced challenges along the way, including coping with the physical development of peers which can impact competitive dynamics, as well as logistical difficulties training in specific locations far from her inner west home, such as the Blue Mountains and Sutherland. Despite these hurdles, she continues to pursue key opportunities, including participation in the upcoming Track Cycling State Championships (24-26 January) and the extraordinary prospect of representing Australia at future Olympic or Commonwealth Games.

Her personal goals, set in partnership with her teachers, reflect her determination and clear vision: to perform successfully in European competitions, excel at state championships, and ultimately represent Australia on the world stage at the Olympics.

Juno blend of physical talent, determination, and support network positions her as a rising star in Australian cycling, with a bright future ahead as she continues to chase her sporting dreams.